The Miracles

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The genesis of the Miracles stretches back to Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, two precocious fifth graders who started singing doo-wop together in the early 1950s. Several years later — at Detroit’s Northern High School — the pair enlisted three more members to become The Five Chimes.

Following a series of line-up and name changes, the teenaged quintet (then-known as the Matadors) auditioned for Detroit soul star Jackie Wilson’s manager, who famously turned them down for sounding too much like the Platters. In the process, they attracted the attention of Berry Gordy, then working as one of Wilson’s chief songwriters, who saw their potential and offered to manage them.

Dropping a series of one-off singles that won them regional buzz, the group grew chagrined with the lack of monetary return. Opting to start Motown (with Robinson quickly coming aboard as the label’s vice-president), the Miracles became closely aligned with the imprint’s heyday, issuing a run of classic songs that has never been matched. Boasting sugary melodies, impeccable song structure, and seraphic harmonies, songs like “My Girl Has Gone,” “Tears of My Clown,” “The Tracks of my Tears,” “Shop Around” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” remain indelible components of the great American songbook.

Nicknamed “the Showstoppers,” the Miracles were widely regarded as the most popular Motown group, winning massive respect from their peers — both within the world of rock and the world of soul. Indeed, the Rolling Stones, the Hollies and The Who covered their tunes, while The Beatles widely acknowledged their debt to Robinson and Co.

After over a dozen years in the group, Robinson departed in 1972, taking with him his wife, Claudette Robinson, and guitarist Marv Tarplin. Replaced by new lead singer and guitarist, Billy Griffin, the group managed to write nine more charting singles including 1976’s No. 1 hit, “Love Machine (Part 1).” Two years later, Griffin and Pete Moore retired, effectively ending that incarnation of the group.

Over the last 30 years, the quintet has sporadically reunited for tours and various ad hoc performances. Though they haven’t recorded a new album since 1978, their music continues to wield an enviable longevity, with rap producers Kanye West and J Dilla sampling their work.

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Five thoughts about The Miracles

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Yes....the MIRACLES definitely deserve their star on the Walk Of Fame....their success opened the doors for EVERY Motown act that followed them....in fact there would have been NO MOTOWN without them. Berry Gordy himself said it. Who would know better than him?The fact that they've been blacklisted from the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in favor of far less-deserving acts is indeed a travesty.

The Miracles started out as The Miracles. They were the Miracles for 8 years, and charted as The Miracles for 8 years, and then they became Smokey Robinson and the Miracles for 7 years, and then they became The Miracles again for 5 more years. The Miracles were Motown's first group. Claudette Rogers of The Miracles was called the First Lady of Motown. The Miracles have to be nominated and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as The Miracles, (in the main performers category; not the sidemen category) and Smokey Robinson should be inducted with them as well. Inducting the group as The Miracles (not Smokey Robinson & The Miracles) would also allow for the induction of Smokey Robinson's replacement, Billy Griffin.

”— Roy, September 20, 2011 at 11:51 p.m.
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R.I.P. to original Miracles member Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (June 13, 1941 – September 30, 2011) Guitarist and Songwriter of some of Motown's biggest hits. Creator of one of the most famous guitar licks in Pop Music history , the intro to The Miracles' 1965 million-seller "THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS". Marv...you will be missed

”— Topkat, December 21, 2011 at 9:36 a.m.
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The Miracles is one of the most fantastic African American singing groups of all times. Growing up in the 50's and the 60's, their music was played at every dance, party, and hop. Year after year, the Miracles had hit after hit.

I salute the Miracles and they are most deserving of a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Along with the Drifters, the Coasters, the Miracles are my most favorite groups of all times.

”— Oluwasola Ifasade, March 3, 2013 at 5:40 p.m.
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2012: After numerous fan protests, The MIRACLES were FINALLY inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME, some 25 years AFTER Smokey Robinson's controversial 1987 SOLO induction. Everybody KNOWS that Smokey shouldn't have been inducted solo back then. ALL of The MIRACLES should have gone in.

Now , the ENTIRE GROUP are inducted, but it was a bittersweet victory at best. RONNIE WHITE died in 1995. MARV TARPLIN died in 2011. BOBBY ROGERS was too sick to attend his induction, and sadly, died in 2013.

There are now only 3 original Miracles left: SMOKEY, PETE, and CLAUDETTE. The Rock Hall waited FAR TOO LONG to honor and induct this legendary , pioneering group....in favor of numerous FAR LESS DESERVING ACTS.

ALL of THE MIRACLES should have gotten inducted in 1987....NOT JUST SMOKEY.

”— Topkat, April 7, 2013 at 3:51 p.m.

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